Golf putter and counterbalance system and fitting method

ABSTRACT

Golf putters comprising features that assist in locating a directly overhead view of the putter heads include sight aligning marks, sight aligning notch, rods and plates are disclosed. Putter heads with interchangeable mirror, weight and sighting attachments designed for quick release and replacement are described with interconnected attachment mounting faces. The combination of threaded aperture, apertures in the attachments and screws requiring the use of tools releasably interconnect the mirror attachment, sighting attachment or weight attachment to the putter head. Openings or contours are described that assist the golfer in estimating the distance between the golfer and a hole or cup on the green. Methods of customizing, calibrating or indicating in golf putters to individual golfers are also disclosed, including the use of weights to alter the weight distribution of in the putter head.

This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,468 which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to the golf clubs and methods of using golf clubs, and methods of customizing golf clubs to individual users.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Putting a golf ball with a golf putter on the green requires much practice and expertise to insure that the golf ball is accurately struck to move the golf ball into the hole or cup on the green. Accurate putting depends heavily on the ability of the golfer to strike a golf ball with the face of the golf putter normal and perpendicular to the direction the golf ball is intended to travel. If the face of the golf putter is at an angle to the intended direction, it likely that the ball will not travel as intended.

It is very important for new or young golfers to learn the proper swing, club positioning and stance necessary for a true and accurate putt. Golfers also must learn to estimate the distance between the ball and the hole or cup on the green so that they strike the ball with sufficient force to reach the hole or cup without overshooting the target. Even after learning proper techniques, years of practice are typically necessary to permit the golfer to estimate the travel distance, to properly sight the ball with respect to the club and the cup, and to enable the golfer to positively position the striking face of the putter perpendicular to the desired path of movement of the golf ball. Ideally, the striking face of the putter forms a plane that is normal and perpendicular to the vector extending from the golf ball pointing in the direction of travel.

Other factors affecting the accuracy and repeatability of the golf stroke are the total weight and the weight distribution of the golf putter. Because each golfer strikes the ball differently, and because golfers vary in wrist and arm strengths, ideally a golf putter may be customized with respect to weight and weight distribution to support the development of a consistent, accurate and individual golf swings. Furthermore, the golf putter is ideally customized to the height and shaft grip location of the golfer when the golf putter is perfectly level to support accurate putting by a golfer in a comfortable stance.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,468, which is incorporated herein by reference, relates to a golf putter with an interchangeable sight aligning mirror attachment and a weight attachment of comparable weight to the mirror attachment. It must be recognized however that attachments, such as mirrors, cannot be used in competition play as sanctioned by the United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) because such putters violate the Rules of Golf, specifically Rule 14-3, Artificial Devices.

The citation of documents herein is not to be construed as reflecting an admission that any is relevant prior art. Moreover, their citation is not an indication of a search for relevant disclosures. All statements regarding the date(s) or contents of the documents is based on available information and is not an admission as to their accuracy or correctness.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to golf clubs, some with removable or interchangeable attachments and other features that assist in an accurate and repeatable ball strikes. As described herein, some of the features assist in positioning the golfer's head directly over the golf putter, or plumb to the golf putter, by providing vertical alignment indicators.

In a first aspect, the disclosure includes a golf putter that includes without limitation a putter head with a golf ball striking face, a rearward face, a top surface, a bottom surface, a heel region and a toe region. The golf putter may further include one, more than one, or a plurality of, interchangeable weights that can be removably attached to or inserted into the putter head. The weights can be used to alter the total weight and weight distribution of golf putter head, and may be quickly interchanged by the golfer.

In some embodiments, the golfer is able to move the weight along a surface of the putter head. In other embodiments, the weights are removably attached or inserted at fixed locations in the putter head. The weights are attached or inserted in a manner that allows rapid exchange or replacement by the golfer.

In a second aspect, the disclosure includes a golf putter with a mirror attachment that is interchangeable with a weight attachment. To ensure that the golf putter is level, the mirror attachment includes an instrument that shows or indicates that the golf putter is level when the putter head is placed on a level surface. In some embodiments, the instrument may be a level. The mirror attachment also has a mirror that assists in aligning the golf club to the golf ball and in aiming the golf ball. Thus, the mirror attachment is useful for aligning and leveling the club for putting practice. The mirror and weight attachments have substantially the same mass so that the putter has substantially the same mass for accurate putting using the mirror attachment for putting practice or using the weight attachment for competition play.

The putter head includes without limitation a golf ball striking face, a rearwardly located attachment mounting face, a top surface, a bottom surface, and heel and toe regions. Both the mirror and weight attachments include a mounting face that can engage the putter head mounting face. The golf putter also includes means for releasably interconnecting the putter head with either the mirror or weight attachment.

In some embodiments, the putter head includes without limitation a rear central recess with a vertical surface centrally located. The vertical surface has a sight alignment notch. The putter head also has a substantially horizontal surface at the rear central recess that has a centrally located first sight alignment mark. The first sight alignment mark is visible through the sight alignment notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead, or when viewed normal to a level surface when the putter is placed on that level surface. The top of the putter head also has a centrally located second alignment mark that lines up with the first sight alignment mark and the sight alignment notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead, or when viewed normal to a level surface when the putter is placed on that level surface.

In a third aspect, the disclosure includes a golf putter with a sighting attachment that is interchangeable with a weight attachment. The sighting attachment and the weight attachment have substantially the same mass so that the putter has substantially the same mass whether using the sighting attachment or the weight attachment. Both the weight attachment and the sighting attachment have a mounting face that can engage a putter head mounting face.

The putter head includes without limitation a golf ball striking face, a rearwardly located attachment mounting face, a top surface, a bottom surface, and heel and toe regions. The golf putter also includes means for releasably interconnecting the putter head with either the sighting or weight attachment. The putter head also includes without limitation a rear central recess with a vertical surface centrally located. The vertical surface has a sight alignment notch. The putter head also has a substantially horizontal surface at the rear central recess that has a centrally located first sight alignment mark. The first sight alignment mark is visible through the sight alignment notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead, or when viewed normal to a level surface when the putter is placed on that level surface. The top of the putter head also has a centrally located second alignment mark that lines up with the first sight alignment mark and the sight alignment notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead, or when viewed normal to a level surface when the putter is placed on that level surface.

The sighting attachment may be formed so that one, more than one, or a plurality of openings is centrally located in line with the sight alignment marks. In other embodiments, the sighting attachment is formed to have V-shaped, rounded or parabolic contour centrally located in line with the sight alignment marks. The openings, or the contours, may be used by the golfer in estimating the distance to a hole or a cup on the golf green.

In another aspect, the disclosure includes a golf putter with a sighting attachment that is interchangeable with a mirror and/or weight attachment as described herein. In some embodiments, sugh golf putters may have interchangeable weights that can be removably attached to or inserted into the putter heads.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure includes a golf putter with a mirror attachment that is interchangeable with a sighting and/or weight attachment as described herein. In some embodiments, such golf putter may have interchangeable weights that can be removably attached to or inserted into the putter heads.

In another aspect, the disclosure includes a golf putter with a sighting feature. The golf putter includes without limitation a golf ball striking face, a top surface, a bottom surface, and heel and toe regions. The putter head also includes without limitation a rear central recess with a vertical surface centrally located. The vertical surface has a sight alignment notch. The putter also has a substantially horizontal surface at the rear central recess that has a centrally located first sight alignment mark. The first sight alignment mark is visible through the sight alignment notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead, or when viewed normal to a level surface when the putter is placed on that level surface. The top of the putter head also has a centrally located second alignment mark that lines up with the first sight alignment mark and the sight alignment notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead, or when viewed normal to a level surface when the putter is placed on that level surface.

The golf putter is formed so that one, more than one, or a plurality of openings is centrally located in line with the sight alignment marks. In other embodiments, the golf putter is formed to have a V-shaped, rounded or parabolic contour as a sighting feature, which is centrally located in line with the sight alignment marks. The openings or contours may be used by the golfer in estimating the distance to a hole or a cup on the golf green.

In an additional aspect, the disclosure includes a method of using a golf putter having a sighting attachment to estimate the distance between the golfer and the cup or hole on the green. In yet another aspect, the disclosure includes a method of calibrating a golf putter with a sighting attachment to the individual golfer using the putter.

In a further aspect, the disclosure includes a method for fitting a golf putter to a golfer, in which the putter head is placed on a level surface with a mirror attachment having an instrument that indicates that the putter head is level. The golfer is instructed to stand over the golf putter and adjust his stance until he sees the first and second sight alignment marks in line, with the second sight alignment mark visible through the sight alignment notch. The golfer is asked to place his hands in a position comfortable for a swing or ball strike while holding his head in position over the golf putter. A golf shaft may be formed to extend from the golf putter head to the golfer's hands, and then permanently attached to the putter head.

In the above aspects, the apparatus and methods of the disclosure are practiced in relation to golf putters that conform to competition guidelines published by the U.S.G.A., as well as to any rules governing Artificial Devices published by the U.S.G.A.

The golf putters and methods described above permit the experienced golfer to improve his game and speeds up the learning process for an amateur by aiding the golfer to learn the necessary angularity and distance requirements between the striking face of the putter, the golf ball and the cup on the green, as well as the proper pendulum swing for true and accurate play. The customization of the golf putter to the individual golfer also improves accuracy and repeatability, while the use of the mirror attachment or the sighting attachment, which can be quickly interchanged, does not interfere with the weight or balance of the club.

In addition, golf putters and methods described herein allow the golfer to alter the weight or weight distribution of the club quickly and yet have a club that conforms to competition guidelines promulgated by the U.S.G.A.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a golf putter head interconnected with a mirror attachment.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the golf putter head.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a golf putter head and a mirror attachment.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of golf putter head interconnected with a mirror attachment.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a golf putter head and a mirror attachment.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a golf putter head interconnected with a mirror attachment.

FIG. 7A shows a golf putter head interconnected with a sighting attachment.

FIG. 7B illustrates a golf putter head formed with an integral sighting feature.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a golf putter head interconnected with a sighting attachment.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a golf putter head and a sighting attachment.

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of golf putter head interconnected with a sighting attachment.

FIG. 11 illustrates the customization or indicating in of a golf putter head to a golfer.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the use of a golf putter with a sighting feature to estimate the distance from the golfer to the hole or cup on the green.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODES OF PRACTICING THE DISCLOSURE

As described herein, the disclosure includes a putter head that includes without limitation a putter head with a golf ball striking face, a rearward face, a top surface, a bottom surface, a heel region and a toe region. The top of the putter head may comprise a substantially horizontal surface with one or more parallel machined steps. The putter head further includes an opening into which a golf club shaft may be inserted. In some cases, the opening is formed from a protrusion extending upwards from the top surface of the putter head. In other cases, the opening is substantially flush with a top surface of the putter head. The putter head may be formed with additional material at the heel or toe region to vary the weight distribution of the putter head.

In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the putter may be placed on a level surface. In some cases, the bottom surface is machined to be substantially flat. In other cases, the bottom surface is machined with a curvature. As a non-limiting example, the bottom surface may be machined with a large-radius, such as a 48-inch radius, curvature in the direction normal to the golf ball striking face. In yet other cases, the bottom surface is machined to have both a substantially flat surface over one portion of the face and a curved surface over another portion of the face. In many cases, a bottom surface with or without curvature is designed to allow the putter to rest in the same position on a level surface in a repeatable manner.

In some embodiments, the rearward face of the golf putter has a mounting face with features complimentary to those on a mating surface of an attachment. In some cases, the mounting face comprises one or more female grooves that travel across the mounting face in the heel to toe direction. The attachments will therefore have matching male tongues on the mounting faces. In other cases, a dove tail configuration may be used. In yet other cases, the putter head and an attachment may be joined by the use of a mortise and tenon joint. By way of a non-limiting example, the putter head mounting face may have pins or protrusions that match holes in the attachments. In yet other cases, the putter head and the attachments may be joined by a dowel. Of course, in all cases any male or female features may be swapped or interspersed between the putter head and the mating attachment. Furthermore, it is understood that the mating surfaces and features may be machined to provide a close-tolerance fit between the putter head and the attachment.

As described herein, the disclosure includes a golf putter comprising a putter head as described herein and one, more than one, or a plurality of interchangeable weights removably attached to or inserted into the putter head. In some cases, the weights are made out of metal. Non-limiting examples include brass, steel, tungsten, aluminum, lead, titanium, copper and combinations thereof. In other cases, the weights are made from plastic and other synthetic materials. Each weight may be formed from a different material to increase the number of variations possible with different combinations of weights. Thus, changes to the total weight or weight distribution of the golf putter can be easily and quickly changed by the moving weight locations, or changing the combination of weights used.

In some embodiments, the weights are secured to the putter head with natural or synthetic elastic materials or elastomers that prevent movement of the weights during a golf swing. Non-limiting examples of elastic materials include neoprene, rubber and rubber-like materials. In some cases, the elastic material is wrapped around both the weight and putter head to secure the weight. In other cases, the weights are fixed by lead tape. In yet other cases, the weights consist of one or more pieces of lead tape that adhere to the putter.

In other embodiments, the weights are secured to the putter head with screws, fasteners or threaded rods. In some cases, the weights and the putter head may have threaded apertures through which a fastener is passed. Non-limiting examples of such fasteners include hex head screws and Phillips head screws. Of course, the aperture in the weight may be countersunk or counter bored so that the head of the fastener does not protrude above the weight.

In many embodiments, a metal or elastomeric washer may be inserted between the weight and the golf putter to prevent movement of the weight during a golf swing.

In many cases, the weights can be located at fixed locations on the putter head. In other cases, the location of the weights may be unfixed and may be placed in a variety of locations along one or more surfaces of the putter head. In some cases, the weights are distributed along an axis extending from the heel to the toe of the putter head. In other cases, the weights are located common to surfaces other than the golf ball striking face and the bottom of the putter. In yet other cases, the weights are located common to the top surface or rearward face of the putter head. In the alternative, the weights may be located only common to the rearward face of the putter head.

In some cases, the weights are external to the putter head. In other cases, the weights are partially inserted into apertures or recesses in the golf putter or putter head. In yet other cases, the golf putter comprises a removable attachment with a mounting face that engages the putter head mounting face. In this case, the weights may be inserted into recesses or bores in the golf putter or putter head and retained by connecting or engaging the putter head to the attachment. The putter head and the removable attachment can be releasably interconnected using fasteners and matching apertures in the putter head and in the attachment. To prevent movement of the weights within the recesses, a piece of an elastic material may be inserted into the recess or bore before or after the introduction of the weight, leading to a slight protrusion of the weight or the elastic material on the rearward putter head surface. By connecting the removable attachment, the elastic material or elastomer is compressed so that the weight positively engages the removable attachment without extraneous movement in the bore. As a non-limiting example, the elastic material may be a small sphere-like shape dropped into a recess before the weights are inserted. As another non-limiting example, the elastic material may be a washer that is inserted after the weight into the bore and rests between the weight and the removable attachment.

As described herein, the disclosure includes a golf putter comprising a putter head as described herein, an aligning and leveling mirror attachment and an interchangeable weight attachment. The weight attachment has the same or substantially the same mass as that of the mirror attachment, so that the golf putter will have the same or substantially the same mass whether using the mirror attachment or the weight attachment. The mirror attachment may be used for putting practice, while the weight attachment, when connected to the putter head, conforms to the competition guidelines published by the U.S.G.A.

The golf putter aligning and leveling mirror attachment comprises a mirror and a mounting face that may engage the putter head mounting face. The mirror attachment mounting face will have features complimentary to those on the mating surface of the putter head. By way of non-limiting examples, the complimentary features may include male or female joint details, male or female grooves, dovetail joint details, mortise and tenon joint details, and doweled joint details. The mating surfaces and features may be machined to provide a close-tolerance fit between the putter head and the attachment. In many embodiments, the weight attachment mounting face will have the same features as those on the mirror attachment mounting face to allow the attachments to be interchangeably connectable to or engaged with the putter head mounting face.

In many embodiments, the putter head and attachment will be interconnected with releasable means. In some cases, the attachments are secured together with screws, fasteners or threaded rods passing through aligned threaded apertures in the putter head and the attachments. Non-limiting examples of fasteners include hex head screws and Phillips head screws, or any fastener that requires a tool for tightening and removal. Of course, the aperture in the attachment may be countersunk or counter bored so that the head of the fastener does not protrude above the attachment. In other cases, fasteners such as thumbscrews may be used.

In many embodiments, the putter head of the disclosure is practiced with a rear central recess comprising a vertical surface and a substantially horizontal surface. In many cases, the vertical surface of the rear central recess will comprise a centrally located vertical sight alignment notch or groove from the horizontal surface of the rear central recess through the top surface of the putter head. In other cases, the vertical surface and notch are formed form rearward extensions from the rear central recess.

In some embodiments, the horizontal surface of the rear central recess comprises a first sight alignment mark centrally located and in alignment with the sight alignment notch such that the first sight alignment mark is visible through the notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead. In some embodiments, the top of the putter head comprises a centrally located second alignment mark in line with the sight alignment notch and the first sight alignment mark when viewed directly overhead. In many cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are machined grooves in the putter head. In other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are laser etched into the putter head. In yet other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are painted onto the putter head.

In many embodiments, the mirror attachment further comprises an instrument that indicates whether the golf putter is level. The instrument may be used when the golf putter is placed on a level surface. In some cases, the instrument measures levelness in a direction perpendicular to the first and second sight alignment marks. In other cases, the instrument measures levelness parallel to the first and second sight alignment marks. In yet other cases, the instrument measures levelness in more than one direction. Non-limiting examples of an instrument include a spirit level, a bubble level, bull's eye level and laser line level.

In some embodiments, the level instrument is secured to the mirror attachment by a removably attachable frame that connects to the mirror attachment with screws, other removable fasteners, an integral clip configuration, or with hook and loop fasteners by way of non-limiting examples. In other embodiments, the level instrument is secured directly to the mirror attachment with adhesive. Of course, more than one instrument and more than one kind of instrument may be attached to the minor attachment.

In many embodiments, the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark and second sight alignment mark will be in line when the golf putter is level as indicated by the mirror attachment with a level instrument. In some embodiments, the sight alignment notch will be plumb, or perfectly perpendicular and normal in relation to the bottom surface when the golf putter is level.

In other embodiments, the putter head includes a rod that extends vertically upward from the rear central recess or the top surface of the putter head. The rod may be substantially normal to the top or bottom surface of the putter head. The rod may be placed such that a golfer looking directly down onto the top of a level putter sees the top of the rod and not the sides of the rod shaft.

In many embodiments, the rear central recess comprises curved radii or rounded corners common to the vertical surfaces of the rear central recess. In some cases, the curvature of the rounded corners and radii is substantially similar to the curvature of a standard golf ball such that the curvature of the putter head can be used to locate the golf ball within the mirror of the mirror attachment when the golfer's eye is directly over the putter head and the ball. In further cases, the width of the rear central recess is substantially similar to the width of a standard golf ball so that the sides of the recess frame the golf ball in the mirror. In yet other embodiments, the horizontal surface within the central recess slopes rearwardly and downwardly to make the said horizontal surface more visible within the mirror of the minor attachment.

In additional embodiments of the disclosure, the mirror attachment extends upwardly and rearwardly approximately 20 to 80 degrees from the golf ball striking face of the putter head. In many cases, the mirror attachment extends upwardly and rearwardly approximately 45 degrees from the golf ball striking face.

Of course, the golf putter of the present disclosure may be practiced with the interchangeable weights as described above and/or with the sighting attachment as described below.

As described herein, the disclosure includes a golf putter comprising a putter head as described herein, a sighting attachment and an interchangeable weight attachment. The weight attachment has the same or substantially the same mass as that of the sighting attachment, so that the golf putter will have the same or substantially the same mass whether using the sighting attachment or the weight attachment. The sighting attachment may be used for estimating distances, and both the sighting and weight attachments, when connected to the putter head, result in putters that conform to the competition guidelines published by the U.S.G.A.

The golf putter sighting attachment comprises a mounting face that may engage the putter head mounting face. The sighting attachment mounting face will have features complimentary to those on the mating surface of the putter head. By way of non-limiting examples, the complimentary features may include male or female joint details, male or female grooves, dovetail joint details, mortise and tenon joint details, and doweled joint details. The mating surfaces and features may be machined to provide a close-tolerance fit between the putter head and the attachment. In many embodiments, the weight attachment mounting face will have the same features as those on the sighting attachment mounting face to allow the attachments to be interchangeably connectable to or engaged with the putter head mounting face.

In many embodiments, the putter head and attachment will be interconnected with releasable means. In some cases, the attachments are secured together with screws or fasteners passing through aligned threaded apertures in the putter head and the attachments. Non-limiting examples of fasteners include hex head screws and Phillips head screws, or any fastener that requires a tool for tightening and removal. Of course, the aperture in the attachment may be countersunk or counter bored so that the head of the fastener does not protrude above the attachment. In other cases, fasteners such as thumbscrews may be used.

In many embodiments, the putter head of the disclosure is practiced with a rear central recess comprising a vertical surface and a substantially horizontal surface. In many cases, the vertical surface of the rear central recess will comprise a centrally located vertical sight alignment notch or groove from the horizontal surface of the rear central recess through the top surface of the putter head. In other cases, the vertical surface and notch are formed form rearward extensions from the rear central recess.

In some embodiments, the horizontal surface of the rear central recess comprises a first sight alignment mark centrally located and in alignment with the sight alignment notch such that the first sight alignment mark is visible through the notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead. In some embodiments, the top of the putter head comprises a centrally located second alignment mark in line with the sight alignment notch and the first sight alignment mark when viewed directly overhead. In many cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are machined grooves in the putter head. In other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are laser etched into the putter head. In yet other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are painted onto the putter head.

In many embodiments, the sighting attachment is formed in a manner to create a centrally located opening extending through the body of the sighting attachment. The opening may be formed to be located in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks. In some cases, only one opening is formed. In other cases, more than one or a plurality of openings is formed. Non-limiting examples of openings include circles, ovals, half-circles, triangles, fan-shaped openings, and combinations thereof. In many embodiments, the sighting attachment may be marked with symbols along or around the openings. Non-limiting examples of marking methods include laser etched hash marks, lines and/or symbols, painted lines and symbols, and lines and symbols on adhesive stickers. The lines may be similar to ruled lines seen on conventional rulers. Symbols may include any kind of distinctive mark or color. The lines and/or the symbols may represent the estimated distance between the golf putter and a hole on a golf course when the hole is viewed through the opening.

In some embodiments, the sighting attachment of the disclosure may be practiced with a formed centrally located opening and a wire that bisects the opening and located in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks when viewed directly overhead. In many cases, the wire may wrap around the sighting attachment and its ends fixed within apertures in the sighting attachment to form a top portion and bottom portion of the wire. The top and bottom portions of the wire may be differentially colored to provide the golfer with another useful indicator when viewing the golf putter squarely overhead or looking normal to a horizontal level surface. In other embodiments, in lieu of a wire, a plate, when placed on its end, may bisect the opening. The plate may be located in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks when viewed directly overhead so that the plate is only seen on its edge. Non-limiting examples of plate materials include metal and plastic.

In some embodiments, the putter head includes a rod that extends vertically upward from the rear central recess or the top surface of the putter head. The rod may be substantially normal to the top or bottom surface of the putter head. The rod may be placed such that a golfer looking directly down onto the top of a level putter sees the top of the rod and not the sides of the rod shaft.

In yet other embodiments, the sighting attachment will include a third sight alignment mark that aligns with the sight alignment notch and the first sight alignment mark when viewed directly overhead. In some cases, the third alignment mark may be laser etched into the putter head. In other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are painted onto the putter head. In many embodiments, the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark, second sight alignment mark and third sight alignment mark or wire will be in line when the golf putter is level as indicated by the mirror attachment with a level instrument. In some embodiments, the sight alignment notch will be plumb, or perfectly perpendicular in relation to the bottom surface when the golf putter is level.

In other embodiments, the disclosure may be practiced with the sighting attachment formed to create a v-shaped, rounded or parabolic contour. In such cases, the v-shape, rounded shape or parabolic shape will be centrally located or formed to be in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks. In many cases, the sighting attachment may be marked with symbols along or around the contour. The symbols may represent the estimated distance between the golf putter and a hole on a golf course when the hole is viewed through the opening.

Of course, the golf putter of the present disclosure may be practiced with the interchangeable weights and/or with the mirror attachment as described above. In such embodiments, the rear central recess comprises curved radii or radiused corners common to the vertical surface of the rear central recess. In some cases, the curvature of the radiused corners and radii is substantially similar to the curvature of a standard golf ball such that the curvature of the putter head can be used to locate the golf ball within the mirror of the mirror attachment when the golfer's eye is directly over the putter head and the ball. In further cases, the width of the rear central recess is substantially similar to the width of a standard golf ball so that the sides of the recess frame the golf ball in the mirror. In yet other embodiments, the horizontal surface within the central recess slopes rearwardly and downwardly to make the said horizontal surface more visible within the mirror of the mirror attachment.

In yet additional embodiments, the disclosure includes golf putter with a sighting attachment formed to include a crescent-shaped scoop that may be used to lift golf balls off of a surface. The scoop may be used by a golfer to raise the golf ball upward using the golf putter instead of bending over.

As described herein, the disclosure includes a golf putter comprising a sighting feature to assist the golfer in estimating the distance to a hole or cup on the green with a golf putter that conforms to the competition guidelines published by the U.S.G.A. The golf putter comprises the putter head as described herein, practiced with a rear central recess comprising a vertical surface and a substantially horizontal surface. In many cases, the vertical surface of the rear central recess will comprise a centrally located vertical sight alignment notch or groove from the horizontal surface of the rear central recess through the top surface of the putter head. In other cases, the vertical surface and notch are formed form rearward extensions from the rear central recess.

In some embodiments, the horizontal surface of the rear central recess comprises a first sight alignment mark centrally located and in alignment with the sight alignment notch such that the first sight alignment mark is visible through the notch when the putter is viewed directly overhead. In some embodiments, the top of the putter head comprises a centrally located second alignment mark in line with the sight alignment notch and the first sight alignment mark when viewed directly overhead. In many cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are machined grooves in the putter head. In other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are laser etched into the putter head. In yet other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are painted onto the putter head.

The putter head of the present disclosure further comprises contiguous portion extending rearwards and slightly upwards from the golf ball striking face. The contiguous portion is formed in a manner to create a centrally located opening extending through the body of the sighting attachment. The opening may be formed to be located in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks. In some cases, only one opening is formed. In other cases, more than one or a plurality of openings is formed. Non-limiting examples of openings include circles, ovals, half-circles, triangles, fan-shaped openings, and combinations thereof. In many embodiments, this sighting feature may be marked with symbols along or around the openings. Non-limiting examples of marking methods include laser etched hash marks, lines and/or symbols, painted lines and symbols, and lines and symbols on adhesive stickers. The lines may be similar to ruled lines seen on conventional rulers. Symbols may include any kind of distinctive mark or color. The lines and/or the symbols may represent the estimated distance between the golf putter and a hole on a golf course when the hole is viewed through the opening.

In some embodiments, the sighting feature described herein may be practiced with a formed centrally located opening and a wire that bisects the opening and located in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks when viewed directly overhead. In many cases, the wire may wrap around the sighting attachment and its ends fixed within apertures in the sighting attachment to form a top portion and bottom portion of the wire. The top and bottom portions of the wire may be differentially colored to provide the golfer with another useful indicator when viewing the golf putter squarely overhead or looking normal to a horizontal level surface. In other embodiments, in lieu of a wire, a plate, when placed on its end, may bisect the opening. The plate may be located in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks when viewed directly overhead so that the plate is only seen on its edge. Non-limiting examples of plate materials include metal and plastic.

In some embodiments, the putter head includes a rod that extends vertically upward from the rear central recess or the top surface of the putter head. The rod may be substantially normal to the top or bottom surface of the putter head. The rod may be placed such that a golfer looking directly down onto the top of a level putter sees the top of the rod and not the sides of the rod shaft.

In yet other embodiments, the sighting feature will include a third sight alignment mark that aligns with the sight alignment notch and the first sight alignment mark when viewed directly overhead. In some cases, the third alignment mark may be laser etched into the putter head. In other cases, the first and second sight alignment marks are painted onto the putter head. In many embodiments, the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark, second sight alignment mark and third sight alignment mark or wire will be in line when the golf putter is level as indicated by the mirror attachment with a level instrument. In some embodiments, the sight alignment notch will be plumb, or perfectly perpendicular in relation to the bottom surface when the golf putter is level.

In other embodiments, the disclosure may be practiced with the golf putter formed to create a v-shaped, rounded or a parabolic contour. In such cases, the v-shape, rounded shape or parabolic shape will be centrally located or formed to be in line with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks. In many cases, the sighting attachment may be marked with symbols along or around the contour. The symbols may represent the estimated distance between the golf putter and a hole on a golf course when the hole is viewed through the opening.

Of course, the golf putter of the present disclosure may be practiced with the external weights as described above.

In yet additional embodiments, the disclosure includes golf putter with a sighting attachment formed to include a crescent-shaped scoop that may be used to lift golf balls off of a surface. The scoop may be used by a golfer to raise the golf ball upward using the golf putter instead of bending over.

As described herein, the disclosure includes a method of fitting a golf putter to a golfer. In some embodiments, a golf putter with a mirror attachment as described herein may be placed on a level surface and its leveling instrument located or adjusted to indicate that the putter is level. A golfer is instructed to stand above the level golf putter and view the golf putter from directly overhead such that the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark and second sight alignment mark in line together, and the second sight alignment mark visible when looking down said sight alignment notch. While in this position, the golfer assumes a comfortable ball striking position, including locating his hands where he would typically grip a golf shaft. The golfer may practice a swinging motion to ensure his comfort with the position. While the golfer continues to view the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark and second sight alignment mark in line together, a golf shaft is formed to extend from the golf putter to the golfer's hands.

As described herein, the disclosure includes a method of using a golf putter with a sighting attachment. In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining the eye level height and the distance from the golfer's eye to the end of the golf putter with a sighting attachment having an opening. In many cases, the golfer will place their hands at the same location on the golf shaft when using the golf putter with a sighting attachment. In other cases, the golf shaft may be marked with a position for the golfer's hands so that the distance between that individual golfer's eye and the end of the golf club is known. The golfer may be asked to stand at a known distance from a hole or cup on the green and to raise the club so that the entire hole is viewed through the opening in the sighting attachment. The edges of the hole are matched to the edges of the opening, and the sighting attachment is marked with a symbol indicating the distance to the hole represented by the width of the opening in the sighting attachment. In other cases, an opening in the sighting attachment with a v-shape will represent a graduated distance scale that assists in estimating the distance to the hole. Thus, the embodiments permit the golf putter with a sighting attachment to be calibrated to the individual golfer using the putter when the typical distance from the golfer's eye to the end of the club is known, and when the distance from a golfer to the hole or cup on the green is also known.

In other embodiments, the golfer will use a golf putter with a sighting attachment to estimate the distance to the hole or cup by viewing the hole through the opening in the sighting attachment and matching the edges of the hole to the edges of the opening or contour in the sighting attachment. By checking the markings on the sighting attachment next to the hole when viewed through the sighting attachment, the golfer can estimate the distance with better accuracy than when using the naked eye.

Having now generally provided the disclosure, the same will be more readily understood through reference to the following examples which are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the disclosure, unless specified.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Referring to FIG. 1, the putter head 100 has golf ball striking face 110, a rearward face 120, a top surface 130, a bottom surface 140, a heel region 150 and a toe region 160. The top of the putter head may comprise a substantially horizontal surface with one or more parallel machined steps 131. The putter head further includes an opening 135 into which a golf club shaft may be inserted.

Referring to FIG. 2, the rearward face 120 has a mounting face 121 with female groove 125 extending across the mounting face in the heel 150 to toe 160 direction. Putter head 100 further comprises bores 170 and threaded apertures 180.

Referring to FIG. 3, weights 200 are shown. The weights 200 are made from brass, tungsten or steel. Rubber balls 210 are inserted into bores 170 before weights 200 are inserted. Referring to FIG. 4, the weights 200 are retained within bores 170 by mirror attachment 300 when the attachment is fitted to putter head 100.

Example 2

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the putter head 100 is interconnected to mirror attachment 300. Mirror attachment 300 comprises a frame 310, mirror 311, a bubble level 320, and a removable frame 330 for retaining the bubble level. The frame 310 comprises mounting face 340 with a male feature 341 that matches the female groove 125 of putter head 100. Referring to FIG. 3, apertures 280 match apertures 180 of putter head 100 so that hex-head fasteners 290 can interconnect mirror attachment 300 and putter head 100. Hex head fasteners are also used to attach level frame 330 to mirror frame 310. Apertures 280 are further bored to permit the head of fasteners 290 to recess inside frame 310.

Example 3

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, putter head 100 has rear central recess 190. Rear central recess 190 includes a vertical surface 191 and a horizontal surface 194. Vertical surface 191 includes a vertical sight alignment notch 193. First sight alignment mark 196 can be seen through vertical sight alignment notch 193. Second alignment mark 198 is also in line with the sight alignment notch 193 and first sight alignment mark 196 when viewed directly overhead with bubble level 320 showing that the golf putter is level. The curvature of corners 199 are selected to frame golf ball 700, which can be viewed by the golfer in mirror 311.

Example 4

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 8-9, putter head 100 is interconnected to sighting attachment 400. Sighting attachment 400 has mounting face 420 with a male feature 410 that matches the female groove 125 of putter head 100. Apertures 480 match apertures 180 of putter head 100 so that hex-head fasteners 490 can interconnect sighting attachment 400 and putter head 100. An additional aperture 485 is common to mounting face 420 is used to assist in securing wire 500 with set screw 495, as shown in FIG. 10.

Sighting attachment 400 is formed to create fan-shaped opening 430. Wire 500 bisects opening 430 and wraps around the upper surface 401 and lower surface 402 of sighting attachment 400. Groove 403 at the end of the sighting attachment is formed to assist in the seating and location of wire 500. The ends of wire 500 are inserted into first aperture 405 and second aperture 406 as seen in FIG. 10. The wire end in first aperture 405 may be fixed with adhesive, while the wire end in second aperture 406 is fixed by set screw 495, which also tightens wire 500 around sighting attachment 400.

Lower surface 402 angles away from horizontal such that the surface does not drag on the ground during a golf swing. Two crescent-shaped scoops 450 allow easy pick up of golf balls from the ground with a minimum of bending at the waist or knees.

As seen in FIG. 8, when viewed directly overhead, wire 500 is in alignment with first alignment mark 196, second alignment mark 198 and sight alignment notch 193. The upper and lower portions of wire 500 are also in alignment, and may be differentially colored to assist in positioning the golfer over the putter.

Example 5

Referring to FIG. 11, golf putter head 100 with minor attachment 300 is placed on level surface 600. Bubble level 320 shows that the golf putter is level, as in FIG. 1. Golfer 900 stands over putter head 100 in a position that lines up first alignment mark 196, second alignment mark 198 and sight alignment notch 193, as in FIG. 6. Golfer 900 assumes a comfortable ball striking position. Golf shaft 700 is formed to extend between putter head 100 and golfer 900. One end of golf shaft 700 is inserted into opening 135 and fixed with adhesive.

Example 6

Referring to FIG. 7B, an example of a contiguous golf putter head 460 with a sighting feature is illustrated. The golf putter head may be machined, or it may be a machined casting. Putter head 460 is formed to create fan-shaped opening 430. Wire 500 bisects opening 430 and wraps around the upper surface 401 and lower surface 402 of sighting attachment 400.

Wire 500 lines up with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks. In the alternative, wire 500 may be replaced with one or more third sight alignment marks that also align to the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks in the same manner.

Example 7

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, golfer 900 stands with golf putter head 100 and putter head 460 with a fan-shaped sighting feature raised to eye level so that wire 500 lines up with the sight alignment notch and the first and second sight alignment marks. Hole 1000 on the golf green is sighted in opening 430, and the edges of hole 100 are matched with the edges of fan-shaped opening 430. Markings 440 on putter head 460 indicates that the estimated distance between the golfer and the hole is between 20 and 25 feet.

REFERENCES

All references cited herein, including patents, patent applications, and publications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, whether previously specifically incorporated or not.

Having now fully described the inventive subject matter, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the same can be performed within a wide range of equivalent parameters, concentrations, and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and without undue experimentation.

While this disclosure has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure following, in general, the principles of the disclosure and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the disclosure pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. 

1. A golf putter conforming to competition guidelines published by the United States Professional Golf Association, comprising a putter head comprising a golf ball striking face, a rearward face, a top surface, a bottom surface, a heel and a toe; a plurality of interchangeable weights; and means for removably attaching said weights to said putter head.
 2. The golf putter of claim 1, wherein said weights are metal.
 3. The golf putter of claim 2, wherein said weights are selected from brass, steel or tungsten.
 4. The golf putter of claim 1, said golf putter further comprising a putter head with a rearwardly located attachment mounting face; a removable attachment comprising a mounting face that may engage said putter head mounting face; means for releasably interconnecting said putter head and said removable attachment; and recesses in said putter head for said weights, wherein said weights are located in said recesses and retained by the engagement of said removable attachment to said putter head.
 5. The golf putter of claim 4, wherein an elastic material is inserted into said recesses to prevent movement of said weights within said recesses.
 6. A golf putter with an interchangeable aligning and leveling mirror attachment for putting practice and a weight attachment, wherein said weight attachment has substantially the same mass as that of the mirror attachment such that said putter has substantially the same mass for accurate putting whether using the mirror attachment for putting or the weight attachment that permits the putter to conform to competition guidelines published by the United States Professional Golf Association, comprising: (a) a putter head comprising a golf ball striking face, a rearwardly located attachment mounting face, a top surface, a bottom surface, a heel and a toe; (b) a removable mirror attachment comprising a mounting face that may engage the putter head mounting face; (c) a weight attachment of comparable mass to the mirror attachment interchangeable with said mirror attachment, said weight attachment comprising a mounting face that may engage said putter head mounting face; (d) means for releasably interconnecting either the weight attachment or mirror attachment to the putter head; (e) a rear central recess comprising a vertical surface centrally located with a sight alignment notch thereon and a substantially horizontal surface with a centrally located first sight alignment mark visible through said notch when viewed directly overhead; and (f) a top on the putter head with a centrally located second alignment mark thereon, wherein the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark and second sight alignment mark are in line together when viewed directly overhead, wherein said mirror attachment further comprises an instrument that indicates whether said putter is level in a direction perpendicular to said sight alignment marks.
 7. The golf putter of claim 1, wherein said instrument indicates that putter is level when placed on a level surface.
 8. The golf putter of claim 1, wherein said instrument is a spirit or bubble level.
 9. The golf putter of claim 1, wherein said horizontal surface comprises curved radii common to the rear central recess, and wherein the curvature of said radii is substantially similar to the curvature of a golf ball such that said radii may used to center a golf ball within the mirror attachment when the golfer's eye is directly over the putter head and ball.
 10. The golf putter of claim 6, further comprising (a) a plurality of interchangeable weights and means for removably attaching said weights to said putter head; and (b) a sighting attachment, wherein said sighting has substantially the same mass as that of the mirror and weight attachments such that said putter has substantially the same mass for accurate putting whether using the mirror attachment or the weight or sighting attachment, all of which permit the putter to conform to competition guidelines published by the United States Professional Golf Association, and wherein said sighting attachment is formed so as to create an opening centrally located in line with said sight alignment marks, said sighting attachment comprising a mounting face that may engage the putter head mounting face, and wherein said means for releasably interconnecting either the weight attachment or mirror attachment to the putter head may also be used to releasably interconnect said sighting attachment to said putter head.
 11. A golf putter with an interchangeable sighting attachment and a weight attachment, wherein said weight attachment has substantially the same mass as that of the sighting attachment such that said putter has substantially the same mass whether using the sighting attachment or the weight attachment, both of which permit the putter to conform to competition guidelines published by the United States Professional Golf Association, comprising: (a) a putter head comprising a golf ball striking face, a rearwardly located attachment mounting face, a top surface, a bottom surface, a heel and a toe; (b) a removable sighting attachment comprising a mounting face that may engage the putter head mounting face; (c) a weight attachment of comparable mass to the sighting attachment interchangeable with said sighting attachment, said weight attachment comprising a mounting face that may engage said putter head mounting face; (d) means for releasably interconnecting either the weight attachment or sighting attachment to the putter head; (e) a rear central recess comprising a vertical surface centrally located with a sight alignment notch thereon and a substantially horizontal surface with a centrally located first sight alignment mark visible through said notch when viewed directly overhead; and (f) a top on the putter head with a centrally located second alignment mark thereon, wherein the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark and second sight alignment mark are in line together when viewed directly overhead, wherein said sighting attachment is formed so as to create an opening centrally located in line with said sight alignment marks.
 12. The golf putter of claim 11, wherein said sighting attachment is formed so as to create a fan-shaped opening.
 13. The golf putter of claim 11, wherein said sighting attachment is marked with symbols representing the estimated distance between said golf putter to a hole on a golf course viewed through said opening.
 14. The golf putter of claim 12, wherein said sighting attachment comprises a wire that bisects said fan-shaped opening and is aligned with said sight alignment marks.
 15. The golf putter of claim 11, wherein said sighting attachment further comprises a crescent-shaped scoop that may be used to lift golf balls off of a surface.
 16. A golf putter conforming to competition guidelines published by the United States Professional Golf Association, comprising: (a) a golf ball striking face, a top surface, a bottom surface, a heel and a toe; (b) a rear central recess comprising a vertical surface centrally located with a sight alignment notch thereon and a substantially horizontal surface with a centrally located first sight alignment mark visible through said notch when viewed directly overhead; and (c) a top on the putter head with a centrally located second alignment mark thereon, wherein the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark and second sight alignment mark are in line together when viewed directly overhead, wherein said sighting attachment is formed so as to create an opening centrally located in line with said sight alignment marks.
 17. The golf putter of claim 16, wherein said sighting attachment is formed so as to create a fan-shaped opening.
 18. The golf putter of claim 16, wherein said sighting attachment is marked with symbols representing the estimated distance between said golf putter to a hole on a golf course viewed through said opening.
 19. The golf putter of claim 17, wherein said sighting attachment comprises a wire that bisects said fan-shaped opening and is aligned with said sight alignment marks.
 20. The golf putter of claim 16, wherein said sighting attachment further comprises a crescent-shaped scoop that may be used to lift golf balls off of a surface.
 21. A method of fitting a golf putter to a golfer, comprising (a) placing the putter head according to claim 18 on a level surface such that said instrument on said mirror attachment indicates that the putter head is level; (b) instructing a golfer to stand above the golf putter in a ball striking position such that said golfer sees the sight alignment notch, first sight alignment mark and second sight alignment mark in line together, said second sight alignment mark visible when looking down said sight alignment notch; (c) forming a golf shaft to extend from the putter head to said golfer. 